Dealing with a loved one’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be difficult, especially if they need to be moved into a nursing home. As they begin to need more care, this can change how you can interact with them. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it helps to know the answers to the most common questions about this disease.

4 FAQs About Alzheimer’s 

1. What defines and causes Alzheimer’s? 

As a subcategory of dementia, Alzheimer’s involves a person gradually losing the ability to remember, think, or act for themselves. It’s a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of brain cells and the disruption of nerve connections between the ones that are still alive. However, it’s unclear what exactly causes the disease to take hold. Often, it means that the affected person must be put in a nursing home or provided with a full-time caregiver. There is no known cure. 

2. Who is prone to Alzheimer’s? 

Some types of Alzheimer’s are hereditary and can occur early, while a person is only middle-aged. However, most types start to develop late in life and are not necessarily caused by genetics. Without knowing exactly what causes it, scientists cannot determine how to prevent it. Nevertheless, there’s evidence suggesting that people who exercise regularly, eat well, and avoid substance abuse are less likely to have Alzheimer’s.  

3. What are the symptoms? 

The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are memory loss, and a general sense of confusion. Those affected cannot remember important facts or how or when they get somewhere, and they have difficulty making sense of their surroundings. Consequently, they often get lost or misplace things. As the disease progresses, they’ll also lose their capacity for reasoning and critical thinking, so they can’t solve problems or learn new tasks, and they forget the practical skills they need to care for themselves. This is frequently accompanied by moodiness, depression, agitation, and suspicion. 

4. What can you do to help a parent who has Alzheimer’s? 

A nursing home can ensure that your parent receives quality senior care and medical treatments for their Alzheimer’s while still allowing you to be involved. Establish a routine of contact, whether that’s calling or visiting at certain times of the day, so that it creates a habit for them that is easy to follow. Keep your communication simple, patient, comforting, and gentle to calm their nerves.  

 
For a nursing home that will provide top-notch elderly care for your parent with Alzheimer’s, contact Perfect Hands In-Home Health Care & Services Inc. in St. Louis, MO. With their highly trained and sympathetic staff, your parent will be able to enjoy all the benefits of an attentive assisted living facility, including cooking, cleaning, transportation to appointments, distribution of medication, and more. Additionally, they can participate in social events and activities held at the facility. Find out more about getting the help your parent needs by calling them today at (314) 274-8616 or messaging them online.